SAGINAW, MI —Saginaw Swan Valley fields one of the most explosive playmakers in the state in Western Michigan commit and record-holding rusher Alex Grace.

And Nouvel Catholic Central fields one of the area’s best traditions with three state championships since 2006.

The two schools poured in 8,051 votes leading up to the season opener to earn the first MLive Saginaw news Game of the Week.

Top-5 things to watch Saginaw Swan Valley at Nouvel Catholic Central

Who can harness the big play?

Nouvel opened last year’s season opener with an 81-yard touchdown from Garrett Graham to Ryan Sullivan, and the Panthers took an early 13-0 lead after recovering a pooch kick that resulted in a 30-yard touchdown run.

Swan Valley nearly answered with a 38-yard run the other direction, but it was fumbled into the end zone and recovered by Nouvel.

“I think it’ll be key that we don’t give up the big play and that we establish the line of scrimmage,” Swan Valley coach Ken Bourbina said.

The Vikings needed a flurry at the end to pull out a 27-20 come-from-behind win.

Can Nouvel limit Alex Grace and the Vikings offense?

Grace got 2013 started on a high note with 202 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the season opener against Nouvel en route to an MHSAA single-season record 2,962 yards.

The Panthers have to limit him despite losing two-time leading tackler Tyler Jacqmain to the collegiate ranks. However, their best playmakers and key returners come up the middle where Grace does the most damage.

At 6-foot-0, 238-pounds, Joe Mott provides size and playmaking ability on the defensive line, and he’s backed up by returning starters Cam Cianek at linebacker and safety Khristian Goode.

“I’m sure they have some wrinkles and some things they’re going to do so teams can’t put all their focus on (Grace), but even when you do focus on him, he’s still effective,” Nouvel coach Mike Boyd said.

Who is going to carry the load for the Panthers?

Nouvel hopes 2014 is categorized as a “reload” rather than “rebuild” after graduating a wealth of playmakers on both side of the ball.

Brad Dey saw extensive time at running back with Ryan Sullivan battling an injury in 2013, but now he steps into the featured back role with an experienced offensive line blocking in front of him.

However, Swan Valley counters with two-time leading tackler Taylor Reaume and defensive end Brock Notter. Reaume topped the 140-tackle plateau in 2013.

Can Mitch Morley quickly get up to speed?

Mitch Morley, a junior, takes control of a complicated offense, and his first start comes against a veteran team that has made two straight playoff runs.

“Mitch is probably going to have a few growing pains early,” Boyd said. “But it just matters how he approaches things.”

Morley and the Nouvel offense need to take advantage of their opportunities and limit mistakes.

Who will win the turnover battle?

A mishandled kick and fumble by Swan Valley allowed Nouvel to jump out to earn early 13-0 lead last year, but Swan Valley came back and scored after blocking a Panthers punt in their own end and recovering a fumble.

“We have to stay away from those big mistakes, whether it’s a penalty or a turnover,” Boyd said. “I think we really need that to prevent them from getting on a roll.”

Cory Butzin covers sports for MLive/Saginaw News. Email him at cbutzin1@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.